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Sunday 11th August saw us heading to Brands Hatch for our yearly pilgrimage to the DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters) Germanys top flight tin top series. Manufacturers Audi, BMW, and Aston Martin battle it out to try and triumph in what is probably the pinnacle of touring car racing in the world. Big brands, high profile drivers, and absolute monsters of racing cars ensures that this is a weekend we cannot miss as it comes to the UK only once a year. This is the second year the DTM has returned to the UK, utilising the Brands Hatch GP, an awesome old school, balls out circuit, with a distinctly european feel through the forest section, favouring the brave.
This year the cars have changed, Aston Martin step up to the plate, as Mercedes have left to concentrate on their Formula E campaign. And under the bonnet we now have a 2litre, inline, 4 cylinder, turbo charged beast, replacing the normally aspirated V8's. The cars also benefit from a formula 1 style drag reduction system, and a push to pass function, giving the drivers an extra 30bhp due to a fuel-mass flow restrictor injecting more fuel into the engine.
Also supporting the DTM we had the final of the first W Series championship specifically for women trying to progress their racing careers, as well as the Lotus Cup Europe, Mini 7 and Miglia Championship, and a Formula One demonstration seeing ex F1 driver David Coulthard take the 2011 Red Bull RB7, Sebastien Vettel's Championship winning car round the GP circuit.
It was an absolutely fantastic day with all race series producing some fine and exciting racing, The DTM dominated by the Audi's on the Sunday with a win for championship leader Rene Rast being followed by another 16 Audi rings in the top 5. In the W Series it was our own Brit, Jamie Chadwick who put herself in the history books as the first ever champion and netting the $500,000 winners cheque. The Mini's were amazing to watch cocking a wheel and sliding round the corners, with the Lotus championship keeping a tight field in their respective classes. But it was David Coulthard who really worked the crowds, hurtling the RB7 around the circuit V8 screaming, doing donuts and burnouts.
The rather pricey gate cost was worth every penny, we cannot wait for next years trip. Highly recommended for a family day out, and an absolute must for any motorsport fan. FEEL THE ROAR.